PHILADELPHIA — The Coast Guard encourages mariners in the mid-Atlantic region to exercise caution as a storm system passes through the region late this afternoon into Tuesday morning.

A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service report states the storm could bring potential sustained winds in excess of 30 miles-per-hour and seas up to or exceeding 10 feet.

“Our primary concern is for the safety of those at sea,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Walker, an operations specialist at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. “One of the most important decisions you can make as a mariner is to understand the current and forecasted weather conditions. There are times it may just be best to stay off the water.”

Here are a few additional tips to help mariners protect themselves, their families and their vessels:

Do not go out to sea in a recreational boat when a storm is approaching.

Stay up to date on the weather as conditions can change suddenly and with little warning.

Contact local marinas to ask for advice about securing a vessel.

Ensure boating gear is properly stowed or tied down to avoid causing unnecessary searches by the Coast Guard and other first responders. Life jackets, life rafts and small non-powered vessels are some examples of boating equipment often found adrift following severe weather.

If mariners must go out, they should file a float plan with friends or a loved one, which states where they will be going and when they will return so search and rescue workers have a good idea of where to begin looking.